Be the Early Bird Posted or Updated on 14 Mar 2025

People across Scotland are being reminded that their GP practice wants to know if they are experiencing persistent symptoms that are unusual for them, that could be cancer.

The Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign is encouraging people, particularly those aged over 40, to get checked if they notice unexplained bleeding, unusual lumps, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for them.

The benefits of finding cancer at an earlier stage include more treatment options, a greater likelihood of living well after treatment and better news to tell the family.

Ruthra Coventry, 40, from Aberdeen, was diagnosed with stage I lung cancer in October 2018, after seeing her GP about persistent illness and chest infections - something that was unusual for the otherwise fit and healthy mum of one.

“My tumour was found early, and I feel lucky that it was diagnosed at a stage where it was localised, and able to be removed with surgery, without the need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy."

“Based on what happened to me, my message to anyone would be to get checked. I know it’s easy to put off, but it can make all the difference to being diagnosed at a stage where its able to be treated."

“After I’d spoken to my GP about being referred for scans, I started to feel a bit better, and I almost cancelled my appointment which doesn’t bear thinking about now. Don’t put it off, because it could save your life.”

If you’re worried about a possible cancer symptom, your GP practice wants to know. For more information visit getcheckedearly.org